Yara Sofia is one of the fabulous contestants on Logo’s RuPaul’s Drag Race, Season Three. She is the fifth to be interviewed in this season’s Drag Race with more interviews to come! Stay tuned for upcoming interviews with the other contestants. And, don’t forget RuPaul’s Drag Race Season Three premieres Monday, January 24 on the Logo Channel AND you can watch it at Lobby Bar every week with hostesses Glamazonia and Lily Armani on hand, offering a wealth of drink specials from the fine folks at Lobby, the official RuPaul’s Drag Race viewing party in Seattle. Now, let’s hear what our contestant has to say…Werk it, Yara!
Yara Sofia, where are you from?
The pearl of the Caribbean: Puerto Rico!
When was your first time in drag and what did it feel like?
My first attempt in drag was when I was about seven or eight years old, when my older brother painted my face for the first time. Actually, he told me he wanted to dress me up as a Chinese boy, but when I looked in the mirror, I looked like a girl. I was like a cross between Boy George and Amy Winehouse. After that I realized that I loved make-up, and to wear my mom’s heels. So – I was ready for drag!
What makes you continue to perform and represent your community as a drag queen?
Well, it is my job and I’ve always been attracted to this art. This illusion that I’ve been creating is in admiration of fierce women, and I never have had a woman in my life except for mom. What can’t I have Yara?
What was your first reaction when you heard the news on becoming a RPDR contestant?
Four Words: BUTTERFLIES! SCARED! NERVE RACKING! And HUNGRY!
How much tension was there in the hotel during the shooting of the show and were frenemies made?
I was so tired every night that I didn’t notice if there was tension. Okay, maybe a little bit, but I didn’t make any frenemies. I’m a grown boy who cares about what is good for me. I’m not saying I don’t have frenemies (everybody does) and that is fine. Actually, I love friends, but I love frenemies more because they need love!
If you learned something from this show, what would that be?
It was a wonderful experience and besides practicing my English, the most important thing that I learned was “It’s not about the background, dancing, the most beautiful, or the language”, it is all about being authentic.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three items would you absolutely need with you in order to survive?
First of all, I would retire from drag because three things are not enough. Seriously, I would say, first, construction boots (I hate to be barefoot on moist ground). Secondly, razor blades (because I’m a she-wolf) and finally a sharp knife. The rest I would have to get by on my instincts.
Pick one Lady Gaga or Cher?
Both! The best way to reach success in life is learning from the experienced of the legends and the strength and will of the young ones. That is why I learned a lot while shooting the show. RuPaul is an incredible human being and she taught us and helped us to believe in ourselves. She has been opening doors for new drag generations, she is like Cher and we all are the Lady Gagas.